Evalution Question Two

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My magazine helps represent my target social group of young males with an interest in Hip-Hop through emulating the codes and conventions set by other magazines targeting the same group. Magazines like ‘Vibe’ are in high circulation and are popular among the social group I am targeting, so in using the codes and conventions in ‘Vibe’ magazine, I have created an image that represents my target social group.



The postures of the two models are very similar but not identical, as my picture is facing down more. However the posture used in both pictures is still upright and straight. There is nothing interesting in the posture and it shows no emotion, this helps the audience focus on other aspects of the picture.
Both pictures use natural low-key lighting. The light does not help to high light any part of the face at all. Again, this shows no particular emotions and adds the conventional plain look of Hip-Hop pictures.
Both the models are wearing a black suit with a thin tie. I think this shows sophistication and importance, appealing to the audience, as this is how the audience will see the artists. The skinny tie adds a modern twist to the look. The models are both wearing sunglasses; this shows a further element to the modern look that represents the audience; it also ads to the sophistication look which represents the artists superiority from the audience.
The expression in both pictures is simply plain and gives nothing away; they are both just blank faces, making the models look mysterious and unreadable.
The pictures are also both in black and white, I think this makes the pictures look more modern to an extent, but it also adds to the mysterious look they have.
The size and positioning of the models are also similar to each other. Both of them show the bust of the model and both their shoulders are cut off the page on either side. Their head covers part of the masthead. This allows the picture to dominate the cover. So all the audience see is a smartly dressed, mysterious and plain-faced artist. This causes them to want to know more about them.